Allen Bradford of USC ~ 5.11/235
"A thick, well-proportioned back with good girth through both his upper and lower body. Does a great job not only dropping his pad level into contact, but through the line of scrimmage as well, making himself small and not giving defenders much to wrap their arms around. Displays good power through his legs, churns his feet through contact and possesses the strength to consistently break tackles in the hole and accelerate into the open field.
Exhibits an impressive first step for his size, gets up to speed quickly and really seems to surprise defenders at the second level with his ability to run. Isn't a burner by any strength, but showcases better speed at the second level than given credit for. Exhibits good balance with the ability to stick his foot in the ground, square his shoulders quickly and attack up field.
Displays nimble feet in tight areas and has the ability to side step defenders and fight for tough yards inside. But, doesn't possesses the kind of shiftiness to simply make a man miss if someone breaks down on him in behind the line. Nevertheless, he loves to use his powerful stiff arm once he gets into the open field and makes it really tough for defenders to get into his body.
However, as impressive physically as he is, isn't the more instinctive of runners between the line of scrimmage. Too often is slow to decipher information, slows his feet and isn't as consistently picking his way through traffic as you would like. Has a tendency to bounce too many play outside prematurely.
Has some real toughness to his game, lined up as a full back as a freshman and looked like promising lead blocker. Isn't real comfortable in the pass game at this stage and hasn't been much of a factor catching the ball out of the backfield. However, he has the size, power and coordination to certainly hold his own in blitz pick-up situations at the next level.
Impression: Physically the guy as all the tools to be a starter in the league. However, until he becomes a more instinctive and natural runner inside, he's never going to be anything more than a number two guy, which is the main reason why he didn't win the starting role as USC in 2010."
Exhibits an impressive first step for his size, gets up to speed quickly and really seems to surprise defenders at the second level with his ability to run. Isn't a burner by any strength, but showcases better speed at the second level than given credit for. Exhibits good balance with the ability to stick his foot in the ground, square his shoulders quickly and attack up field.
Displays nimble feet in tight areas and has the ability to side step defenders and fight for tough yards inside. But, doesn't possesses the kind of shiftiness to simply make a man miss if someone breaks down on him in behind the line. Nevertheless, he loves to use his powerful stiff arm once he gets into the open field and makes it really tough for defenders to get into his body.
However, as impressive physically as he is, isn't the more instinctive of runners between the line of scrimmage. Too often is slow to decipher information, slows his feet and isn't as consistently picking his way through traffic as you would like. Has a tendency to bounce too many play outside prematurely.
Has some real toughness to his game, lined up as a full back as a freshman and looked like promising lead blocker. Isn't real comfortable in the pass game at this stage and hasn't been much of a factor catching the ball out of the backfield. However, he has the size, power and coordination to certainly hold his own in blitz pick-up situations at the next level.
Impression: Physically the guy as all the tools to be a starter in the league. However, until he becomes a more instinctive and natural runner inside, he's never going to be anything more than a number two guy, which is the main reason why he didn't win the starting role as USC in 2010."
"Positives: Rugged downhill runner. Quickly presses the line. Lowers his shoulders and secures the ball with both hands as he enters traffic. Runs with good forward lean. Keeps his legs churning to grind out tough yards. Often able to break through the initial defender's tackle. Good vision and shows surprisingly light, quick feet and balance to step through the trash. Unlike many bigger backs, doesn't get carried away with being physical. Can get skinny through the line and isn't opposed to letting his underrated agility and speed beat the defender, rather than relying solely on his power. Saw time at fullback at USC and demonstrates a willingness to lower his shoulder to dictate the action as a lead blocker.
Negatives: Only marginal top-end speed. Might not be able to consistently beat NFL linebackers to the edge. Gets himself in trouble when he runs high, exposing himself (and the ball) to big hits. Has to do a better job of keeping his hands inside the pads of defenders when blocking in pass protection. Appears to have only average hands for the reception. Only caught four pass in over the past two seasons (for 76 yards) and has only 14 receptions over his career (176 yards, four touchdowns)."
Negatives: Only marginal top-end speed. Might not be able to consistently beat NFL linebackers to the edge. Gets himself in trouble when he runs high, exposing himself (and the ball) to big hits. Has to do a better job of keeping his hands inside the pads of defenders when blocking in pass protection. Appears to have only average hands for the reception. Only caught four pass in over the past two seasons (for 76 yards) and has only 14 receptions over his career (176 yards, four touchdowns)."
"Bio: Started four games as a senior and posted career-best numbers of 110/794/5. Junior totals included 115/668/8 as the team E(TM)s second running back.
Positive: Bruising interior ball carrier with solid size/speed numbers. Displays good vision, runs with an aggressive style, and rarely brought down by the first defender. Finds the hole, quickly turns it North/South, and shows a lot of power in his running. Works blocks when necessary.
Negative: Straight line runner who loses momentum when he must change direction. Possesses minimal quickness and burst . Tries too hard to make defenders miss at times.
Analysis: Bradford is a relatively athletic prospect who shows a terrific amount of strength carrying the ball. He's a bit one-dimensional but could be a solid rotational player in a power running offense."
Positive: Bruising interior ball carrier with solid size/speed numbers. Displays good vision, runs with an aggressive style, and rarely brought down by the first defender. Finds the hole, quickly turns it North/South, and shows a lot of power in his running. Works blocks when necessary.
Negative: Straight line runner who loses momentum when he must change direction. Possesses minimal quickness and burst . Tries too hard to make defenders miss at times.
Analysis: Bradford is a relatively athletic prospect who shows a terrific amount of strength carrying the ball. He's a bit one-dimensional but could be a solid rotational player in a power running offense."
"Positives: Above average speed for his size, is not a burner but has a second gear and is tough to tackle in the secondary when he gets to full speed... Good balance, tough to knock off center... Powerful runner, likes to punish defenders, an absolute load to bring down... Keeps his pad level low and his legs moving at all times, one of the best power runners in this class... Aggressive running style, very physical... Patient runner, does a good job waiting for his blocks to set up before running up field... Has experience lining up at fullback and is an adequate run blocker... Ended his career on a strong note running for 212 yards and a touchdown against UCLA in his final collegiate game... High character, has shared a loaded backfield throughout his entire career without complaining... Typical north/south bruiser... Versatile, tweener halfbalk/fullback whose biggest contribution will be around the goal line.
Negatives: Not creative in open space, looks to lower his head and take on defenders rather than breaking the long run... Struggles to change direction, gears down when cutting in the secondary... Is not a receiving threat, doesn't have good hands and is very inexperienced in the passing game, only had 14 career receptions while at USC... Redshirted in 2008 due to a hip injury... Underachiever throughout his career at USC, was a five star recruit coming out of high school and never produced up to his abilities... Was overshadowed by teammates for most of his career."
Negatives: Not creative in open space, looks to lower his head and take on defenders rather than breaking the long run... Struggles to change direction, gears down when cutting in the secondary... Is not a receiving threat, doesn't have good hands and is very inexperienced in the passing game, only had 14 career receptions while at USC... Redshirted in 2008 due to a hip injury... Underachiever throughout his career at USC, was a five star recruit coming out of high school and never produced up to his abilities... Was overshadowed by teammates for most of his career."
"Strengths: Big strong powerback who is tough to bring down. Will move the pile and keep his legs moving. Scares the daylights out of DBs in the open field. Good size speed ratio. Good ST player.
Weaknesses: Played in a rotation at USC. Doesn't catch the ball out of the backfield much. Role player. Will have to continue to improve his blocking for the next level."
Weaknesses: Played in a rotation at USC. Doesn't catch the ball out of the backfield much. Role player. Will have to continue to improve his blocking for the next level."
"Allen Bradford certainly ended his collegiate career at USC on a high note. The senior running back ran for 212 yards and caught a 47 yard touchdown pass in the Trojans' finale at the Rose Bowl. Unfortunately for USC it was a road game at UCLA, not a trip a BCS Bowl, but it was still a nice way for Bradford to wrap up his career considering the ups and downs he experienced while at Southern California.
Bradford came to USC as a safety, but moved to running back during the fall of his freshman campaign. On a team that had a lot of talent in the backfield, Bradford found it difficult to find playing time. On the year he rushed just 13 times for 42 yards. The following season he ran just 15 times for 24 yards. By 2008 Bradford was starting to move up the depth chart, but injuries cut short his season. Bradford did get another shot at his junior year and he carried the ball 115 times for 668 yards and eight touchdowns.
Partially due to a hip injury and partially due to being in new coach Lane Kiffin's doghouse, Bradford did not come out of the gates very strong in 2010. In 11 contests he ended up rushing for 794 yards on 110 carries and five scores, but a lot of that production came in the last game against UCLA. Bradford is a tough rusher who has some explosiveness. He can bust a big play any time he catches the ball, but his lack of collegiate production will keep him in the later rounds of the draft."
Bradford came to USC as a safety, but moved to running back during the fall of his freshman campaign. On a team that had a lot of talent in the backfield, Bradford found it difficult to find playing time. On the year he rushed just 13 times for 42 yards. The following season he ran just 15 times for 24 yards. By 2008 Bradford was starting to move up the depth chart, but injuries cut short his season. Bradford did get another shot at his junior year and he carried the ball 115 times for 668 yards and eight touchdowns.
Partially due to a hip injury and partially due to being in new coach Lane Kiffin's doghouse, Bradford did not come out of the gates very strong in 2010. In 11 contests he ended up rushing for 794 yards on 110 carries and five scores, but a lot of that production came in the last game against UCLA. Bradford is a tough rusher who has some explosiveness. He can bust a big play any time he catches the ball, but his lack of collegiate production will keep him in the later rounds of the draft."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Allen Bradford
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
***
Allen Bradford is truly an High Grade Hard Yard Masher. He runs with Authority and Vision.
He's projected to be a Late Rounder. I honestly don't know why. He fumbles too often, which is correctable, and he doesn't have dazzling "40" time...But he commands great initial Burst, Brutal Brute Power, and surprising Lateral Velocity + Acceleration. His Processing Speed is poor, which is a major Red Flag in my book, but if he can train through that, the overall package he brings could be demolishing.
He's not a very good Receiver, but he is a devastating Blocker.
In my efforts to organize RB's by their strengths, I've invented the terms "Smashers", "Slashers", + "Thrashers" as what I hope will be easy references, respectively, to Power Backs, 3rd Down Backs, and Hybrids.
Allen Bradford is clearly a Smasher.
This guy could be a flat out THEFT.
Super Sleeper!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
***
Allen Bradford is truly an High Grade Hard Yard Masher. He runs with Authority and Vision.
He's projected to be a Late Rounder. I honestly don't know why. He fumbles too often, which is correctable, and he doesn't have dazzling "40" time...But he commands great initial Burst, Brutal Brute Power, and surprising Lateral Velocity + Acceleration. His Processing Speed is poor, which is a major Red Flag in my book, but if he can train through that, the overall package he brings could be demolishing.
He's not a very good Receiver, but he is a devastating Blocker.
In my efforts to organize RB's by their strengths, I've invented the terms "Smashers", "Slashers", + "Thrashers" as what I hope will be easy references, respectively, to Power Backs, 3rd Down Backs, and Hybrids.
Allen Bradford is clearly a Smasher.
This guy could be a flat out THEFT.
Super Sleeper!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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